Absinthe, a captivating spirit with a storied history, entered my world amidst the enchanting backdrop of shooting the Paris Exteriors for Baz Luhrmann's cinematic masterpiece, Moulin Rouge. From the moment I first encountered this emerald elixir, known for its distinct licorice-like flavor and anise aroma, I was captivated by its enveloping effect. The allure of absinthe lies not only in its complex botanical profile but also in its notorious reputation as the muse for great artists and thinkers. It was as if the green fairy whispered inspiration, mirroring the artistic fervor of Parisian bohemians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Our own creation, "Euphoria," pays homage to the French style of absinthe and is traditionally served with equal parts of simple sugar syrup, unlocking the mythical presence of the green fairy and inviting enthusiasts into a world of sensory indulgence.
During the Belle Époque era in Paris, particularly in the bohemian enclave of Montmartre, absinthe wielded a profound influence on the creative minds of artists and celebrities. The emerald elixir, colloquially known as the "Green Fairy," became a symbol of the avant-garde lifestyle embraced by the bohemian community. Absinthe's association with mystique and unconventional behavior drew in artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as writers like Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway. The psychoactive properties of wormwood, a key ingredient in absinthe, were believed to enhance creativity and perception. As artists frequented the cafés of Montmartre, sipping on the green libation, conversations flowed, ideas sparked, and artistic boundaries blurred. The hallucinogenic effects of absinthe were thought to inspire a new way of seeing, contributing to the development of abstract and impressionistic art movements. The swirling colors and dreamlike visions associated with absinthe intoxication found expression on canvases, as artists sought to capture the essence of their altered states of consciousness. The cultural impact of absinthe on the Belle Époque art scene remains an intriguing chapter in the history of creativity and bohemianism.